Questions and Answers about Complications and Risks Arising from Acid Reflux

Repeated exposures of acid can damage the esophagus and lead to a number of complications, some serious. Here we offer detailed answers to frequently asked questions about potential complications arising from acid reflux.

What is Regurgitation?
Regurgitation feels like liquid with an acidic or bitter taste coming up to the chest or mouth. Nighttime or nocturnal regurgitation can be very serious...

What is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux?
Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a frequent cause of damage to the voice box caused by reflux of stomach acid. Acid reflux damages the larynx, which is the voice box and entrance to the trachea...

What is Aspiration?
Acid reflux can travel all the way up the esophagus and enter the trachea, which is called aspiration. Chronic aspiration can damage the trachea and lungs and make chronic lung disease or asthma worse...

Can Acid Reflux Cause Chronic Cough?
When acid refluxes up the esophagus and into the larynx and airways, nerves are stimulated to cough in an attempt by the body to clear the offending irritant..

Is Acid Reflux Linked to Asthma or Chronic Lung Disease?
It is estimated that over 70% of asthmatics have reflux. Reflux makes asthma worse when aspirated stomach acid enters the lungs and burns the airways, causing these muscles to go into spasm. When these muscles go into spasm and contract...

What is Esophagitis?
Esophagitis is inflammation of the lining of the esophagus that may cause heartburn, occasionally chest pain, and/or difficulty swallowing. Read this article for more information about esophagitis.

What is an Esophageal Stricture or Esophageal Ring?
Esophageal stricture and esophageal rings are two different types of narrowing of the esophagus. An esophageal ring is the rare episodic difficulty swallowing with solid food getting stuck. Esophageal strictures are ...

What is an Esophageal Dilation?
Esophageal dilation is the technique of stretching the esophagus and is used to treat difficulty swallowing caused by strictures or rings...

What is Barrett’s Esophagus?
Barrett’s esophagus is a concern because it predisposes you to esophageal cancer. With Barrett's the lining of the esophagus changes to lining similar to that found in the small intestines — this is abnormal in the esophagus...

Is there a Way to Heal Barrett’s Esophagus?
There is some debate in the literature whether Barrett’s will regress, shrink, or go away with aggressive antacid treatment or with surgery for acid reflux. But the information is mixed...

What Are the Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer?
The symptoms of esophageal cancer are difficulty swallowing solids with the sensation of food getting stuck. There may be chest pain or discomfort. Most patients, with symptomatic esophageal cancer experience...